Ship Photos of the Day – ALP’s Long Haul Towing Vessel ALP Striker

The first of four 300 ton bollard pull, ultra-long distance towing and anchor handling vessels for ALP Maritime Service has been named at the Niigata Shipbuilding & Repair, Japan where the vessels are under construction.

Credit: ALP Striker

The vessel, named ALP Striker, is designed by Ulstein and is part of the ALP Future class. The vessels are designed with a service speed of 13 knots, while their top speed is 19 knots. With a fuel capacity of more than 3,500 tons, they can tow at full power for 45 days, enough for non-stop Trans-Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Ocean towing without fuel calls.

ALP Striker thrusters. Credit: Ulstein

The vessels will also be outfitted with DP2 and anchor handling capacity to assist during the installation/hook-up phase for the towed objects, typically oil rigs or FPSOs from the building yards to offshore oil fields. The vessels are 88.9 meters long and 21 meters wide.

Credit: ALP Maritime Services

The vessels will be classed with DNV’s Clean Design and Ice Class 1B notations, allowing operations in restricted zones. For their anchor handling role, the vessels will include a stern roller, a three-drummed winch with 400-ton hoisting capacity, and chain lockers for rig chain. The ships are also built with comfortable and spacious accommodations for 35 people, reflecting the long periods in which they will be sea.

Credit: ALP Maritime Services

The three sister vessels are in different phases of construction. Vessel number 2, the ALP Defender, will be the next one to be completed, while vessel number 3, the ALP Sweeper, was launched on 7 May 2016. The final vessel will be named the ALP Keeper.